On 29th July, 2024, the Mokokchung District Legal Services Authority (MDLSA), under the aegis of the National Legal Services Authority, organised an awareness programme on the theme “A programme on child-friendly legal services” at the Observation Home, Mokokchung Town.

Talking on the concept note, the first resource person, Dr. Amongla, Chairperson, Child Welfare Committee (CWC) Mokokchung, talked about ensuring children’s rights and valuing the dignity of the children. She also pointed out understanding child rights as human rights. She also pointed out the difference between the need and right of children.

  Special address on the theme was presented by Smt. Julian Sitlhou, Secretary, Mokokchung District Legal Services Authority. She highlighted the schemes of NLSA and the changes it has taken on the rights of the children. She also presented certain articles like Article 14, Article 21 and 21 (A), and Article 51, Part A(K), which attend to the needs of the children.

Additionally, she also highlighted on POCSO. She emphasised organising awareness programmes for village and ward councils to sensitise them on child rights and correctional measures. Her address also included points on special ways to handle a child who is also an offender, i.e., a child in conflict with the law.

Shri Purnungsang Jamir, Juvenile Justice Board Member, was one of the resource persons addressed on juvenile justice rights based on the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, where he pointed out issues like child labour, children in conflict with the law, corporal punishment, and offences against children with disabilities (CwD).

Smt Tajungla Lkr, Panel Lawyer, shared on the schemes of NLSA, where she pointed out ten points where anyone befitting that particular situation can avail the service scheme.

The awareness programme was followed by a fruitful discussion hour, where all the participants had discourses on points based on different situations related to children.

The programme was attended by the Mokokchung District Legal Services Authority (MDLSA), Special Juvenile Police Unit (SJPU), Juvenile Justice Board, Observation Home, Child Welfare Committee, and Child Helpline Mokokchung.